Week 1: USC vs. Hawaii Preview

The Trojan Army is back. Something clicked after that embarrassing loss to Arizona State last year. In college football there are not many certainties. Fortunately for Trojan nation, USC has always shown the ability to rise from dark times. USC has been saddled by the NCAA sanction cloud over the past few years, but record-wise the worst USC has been over the last decade has been an 8-5 mark in 2010. Needless to say, it’s been a good run for USC football.

Why to be excited?

           

            In 2010, USC travelled to Aloha stadium at the dawn of the Lane Kiffin era. The teams combined for 85 points in Honolulu that day. The underrated pizza delivery boy, turned Division-1 quarterback, Bryant Moniz lit up the USC offense. Fireworks and aerial shows should once again be expected. Saturday will mark the start of a new era for the Warriors. Legendary USC offensive coordinator Norm Chow, a Honolulu native, will attempt to revive a program yearning for the June Jones’ days. Hawaii is a tough place to win big, but Greg McMackin simply could not meet expectations. At some point in time, the USC backups will be playing in this game. Allowing for inexperienced second-stringers, especially on defense, will be a key to the season.

Why to be Grouchy?

            Well, you shouldn’t be. Is there a chance Hawaii can win this game? To keep things short, no…Hawaii can put some drives together but there is no way the Warriors can put up the required 45 points to win this game.

What to Watch For? 

           

            Ideally, Matt Barkley can make his opening Heisman argument in around three quarters of football. The Heisman favorite and his arsenal of weapons will march around Aloha stadium and should see the end zone often. The fourth quarter will be an important litmus test for the second-stringers. Saturday’s game will mark the debut of free agent Silas Redd. Redd will be a good 1b option throughout the year, but his debut makes for intriguing television.

The Prediction:

            USC will win this game. The real question at this point is the scoring differential. The Trojans will move the ball well early in the game. By the time the the midway point in the third quarter arrives, Lane Kiffin will consider resting Matt Barkley for the Syracuse game in the Meadowlands.

USC 45, Hawaii 10